OPENING THIS WEEK

OEDIPUS REX · Theater Schmeater

THREE · Sit & Spin

ONE WEEK ONLY

A BITTERSWEET BALANCE · MOAZZ

CLOSING THIS WEEK

*POONA THE FUCKDOG · Re-bar

SELF OBSESSION IN BLUE · Live Girls

SHOPPING AND FUCKING · Hyperion

SUMMER SIX PACK · Odd Duck

OPENING AND CURRENT RUNS

COMEDY OF ERRORS

Twin mishap engenders a laff-riot in Shakespeare's most kidding of plays. Performed by Greenstage at various parks throughout the summer. Call for Location, 748-1551, www.greenstage.org. Fri & Sat at 8, through Sept 6. Donation.

*DERAILED DESIRES

"For many generations, the phrase 'funny lesbian' was an oxymoron on a par with 'compassionate conservatism.' But the ladies of Pulp Vixens have devoted themselves to demolishing that pigeonhole, wrangling together evenings of camp noir comedy that leave audiences wet with tears and shameful longings. The Vixens' newest creation, Derailed Desires, dishes up lesbian love triangles, hardened tramps, and deadly seductions, set entirely aboard a speeding train bound for trouble. Starring Jennifer Jasper, Mia Levine, and Shawn Yates, and directed by the formidable Kevin Kent." (David Schmader) Spintron, 916 E Pike, 442-2060. Fri & Sat at 8, open ended run. $10.

*HAPPY PANTIES SPECIAL EDITION

Vaudeville meets romance in this comic romp, remounted after its first (short) run met with popular acclaim. Promises pratfalls and stuffed animals. "The most bare-assed naked fun I've had in a theater in a long time." (Tonia Steed) Fremont Palace (Empty Space Theater), 3509 Fremont Ave N, 425-640-5738. Thurs-Sun at 8, through Sept 5. $10.

Late Night Catechism

And the nun goes on. Somebody really likes cute Catholics. This is an evening of audience participation and interactive improv theater: think Sister Windy crossed with Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You. ACT, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Thurs-Sat at 8, Sun at 2, extended for eternity. $24.50-$29.50.

MARS IS A STAR WHO DEFIES OBSERVATION

The planets are aligned and maligned in this new play by starry-eyed Bret Fetzer. The story of the sun-centered theory of the universe veers into personal agendas, including that of the author himself (as played by actress Barbi Beckett), becoming a "crazed collage of sexual politics, medieval animal law, the history of torture, and lurid sex." Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Thurs-Sat at 8; Sun at 7, through Sept 11. $10.

OEDIPUS REX

Free, in the park: prophesy and curses! And not just from passing transients -- this time it's Theater Schmeater's Free Classics in the Park production of the Greek definition of family dysfunction, Oedipus Rex. Directed by John Kaufmann. Fri at 7, Sat & Sun at 2, Gasworks Park, Aug 27-Sept 5; Warren Magnuson Park, Sept 10-Sept 19. 324-5801. Free.

*POONA THE FUCKDOG

The fable returns. "Poona reinvents every social cliché as if it were a naughty and very funny joke told by an intelligent kindergartner. It is smart, bold, and insightful, poignant without being preachy, and meaningful without being sappy. Written by Jeff Goode and directed by Basil Harris, Poona the Fuckdog is two hours of theater magic that will go down in infamy." (Adrian Ryan) Re-bar, 1114 Howell St, 323-0388. Fri-Sun at 8, through Aug 29. $12 (21 and over).

SELF OBSESSION IN BLUE

A broken-down Pinto in the desert brings Wanda and Zoe face to face with their existential angst, in this premiere Seattle staging of Kelleen Conway Greenfield's award-winning play, produced by "Seattle's newest feminist theater company, Live Girls!" With Meghan Arnette, Jessica Pregnolato, and Kady Douglass. Freehold Theater, 1525 10th Ave, 314-2471. Thurs-Sat at 8, through Aug 28. $8/$5.

SHOPPING AND FUCKING

Sure to shock, this hit play from the Brits swims to Seattle on a tide of critical acclaim, compared for brutality to Tarantino and Scorsese. An examination of love and morality in the lives of twenty-somethings seeking "cheap sex, fast food, and designer drugs," directed by Hyperion Artistic Director Joe Seabeck. Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 781-0022. Thurs & Sun at 8, Fri & Sat at 7 & 9:30, through Aug 29. $12.50/$10.

SKYLIGHT

The 1996 talk of Broadway comes to Seattle. David Hare's play centers on Kyra, a young schoolteacher who falls for Tom, a married restauranteur. When their affair is found out, Kyra flees, only to meet up with Tom years later to, shall we say, re-engage. Intiman's production is directed by Warner Shook, with Frank Corrado as Tom and Gina Nagy as Kyra. Intiman Theater, 201 Mercer St, Seattle Center, 269-1900. Sun, Tues, Wed at 7; Thurs-Sat at 8; Sat, Sun at 2, through Sept 18. $10-$39.

SUMMER SIX PACK

Staged readings of six local playwrights: Heidi Robbins & Elizabeth Rainer, Marcy Rodenborn, Bill Ratcliffe, G. William Zorn, Chris Schneider, Aileen O'Leary & Lydia Ratcliffe. Beer will not be provided. Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave, 783-2284. Aug 26-28. $4.

TEMPORARY HELP

David Wiltse's psychological thriller steams up the stage. In a remote Nebraska farmhouse, "pay-day" takes on new intonations. Directed by Gordon Edelstein. ACT, 700 Union St, 292-7676. Tues-Thurs at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 7, some matinees, through Sept 12. $10-$40.

THREE

Billed as a "Magical Mystery Show," the plotline of this Amy Ingram play certainly sounds psychedelic: Three muses murder the "pleasant and feminine Betty," and find themselves in an afterworld that resembles a hellish carnival, featuring "a Penis Reader, Everlasting X-Ray Eyes, and a gravity defying Aerialist with a monkey on her back." Sit & Spin, 2219 Fourth Ave, 441-9484. Tues-Sun at 8, through Sept 8. $8.

TIMON OF ATHENS

Timon has to learn his lesson: Money might buy you a good pair of shoes but it can't buy you happiness. One of Greenstage's "Shakespeare In the Park" offerings. Call for Location, 748-1551, www.greenstage.org. Fri & Sat at 8, through Sept 5. Donation.

WAITING FOR GODOT

Ricochet Biscuit Theater Group takes on Beckett's yawning metaphor. Directed by Shana Bestock. The Chamber Theater, 915 E Pine St, Fourth Floor, 956-4029. Fri & Sat at 8, through Sept 4. $10.

DANCE

A BITTERSWEET BALANCE

Choreography about diabetes: Hmm. But the creator of Bittersweet Balance promises it isn't "fatalistic." Instead, serious complications of the illness are interpreted through movement and theater, performed by the six-member MOAZZ (Modern Jazz Dance Ensemble). Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 325-3113. Fri-Sun at 8 pm, $15.

FESTIVALS, CABARETS, & COMEDY

IMPROSIA

Character-driven improv based on audience suggestions. Wit's End, 770 N 34th St, tickets at the door. Sat at 9:30. $7.

Julie Cascioppo Experience

Songs and characters you may grow to love. The Pink Door, Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley, 443-3241. Tues at 8:30 & 11. No cover.

THE PROM REUNION

The folks at Richard (Dick) Ultimate High School have decided to restage their 1970s prom, and you can be a part of it. Interactive theater in the style of Tony & Tina's Wedding, food included. Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center, Community Hall, Lower Level, 6532 Phinney Ave N, 628-0888. Sat at 6:30, through the end of summer. $45/$35 (group rates available).

*TEATRO ZINZANNI

Three hours of fancy food and thrilling spectacle from the world over, presented in an antique European dance hall imported from Belgium for the occasion. Now featuring body-juggling brothers from France and the jaw-dropping Kevin Kent. Seattle Center, 222 Mercer St, 281-7788 ext 700 or 292-ARTS. Thurs-Sat at 7:30, Sun at 6:30, extended through Sept 8. $88.

*THREE DOLLAR BILL

Seattle's original gay/lesbian/bisexual stand-up comedy show is still standing in its second year. Comedy Underground, 222 S Min St, 324-8025. Tues at 9. $6.

LATE NIGHT

THE A.M. CABARET

Amoral entertainment for insomniacs; promising naked poetry, music, strippers, and drag queens. You may think you're dreaming. This week features Lana Caprina and her Chanel suit and cake-batter-face, singing Piaf. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 860-7377. Sat from 2-4 am. $5.

FRIDA LAYY'S PSYCHO CIRCUS

Seattle's nationally known drag personality, Miss Frida Layy, hosts "a series of freak show performers," bringing sparkle to late night. 21st Century Foxxes, 1501 E Olive Way, 720-9963. Sat at 10:30. $6 (21 and over).

Jet City Improv

Improv comedy and music based on audience suggestions. Ethnic Cultural Theater, 3940 Brooklyn Ave NE, 781-3879. Fri & Sat at 10:30.

*SGT. RIGSBY AND HIS AMAZING SILHOUETTES

Using the tricky effect made possible by today's modern science -- namely, electricity -- the talented mesmerist Scot Augustson manipulates shadows to create sinister and smart storylines. Voices provided by guest Seattle talent. This special performance includes two pieces, "The Lost Bronte Novel" and "Ivey Higgins' Tales for the Stout of Heart." Annex Theatre, 1916 Fourth Ave, 728-0933. Fri & Sat at 11 pm, through Sept 10. $5.

SPIN THE BOTTLE

Annex's late-night performance is a slumgullion of juggling, dance, singing, and silhouettes, cultivated by the finely tuned Bret Fetzer. Annex Theater, 1916 Fourth Ave, 729-0933. First Fri of every month. No reservations. $5.

Theater Sports

Improv comedy with a competitive edge, brought to you by Unexpected Productions. Market Theater, 1428 Post Alley, 781-9273. Fri & Sat at 10:30, $9. Sun at 7, $5.

CALLS

GREENSTAGE

Auditions for a fall production of Volpone by Ben Jonson will be held Sept 7 & 8 from 6:30 to 9:30. Please call 748-1551 for more info and to schedule an appointment.